Turn a USB Drive into a Portable Retro Gaming Console

Many gamers seek a portable retro gaming setup, often opting for devices like the Raspberry Pi 5. However, a smaller, lighter, and surprisingly affordable alternative exists: transforming a simple USB flash drive into a portable gaming console. While you’ll still need a PC to play, this method offers incredible portability. Here’s how to achieve it for under $100.

Essential Components

• USB Flash Drive: A high-capacity drive like the SanDisk 512GB offers ample storage, but smaller capacities work too.
• Compact Wireless Keyboard: A small, affordable wireless keyboard simplifies navigation and control. Many options include storage for your USB drive.
• Gamepad: A quality gamepad like the 8BitDo Pro 2 enhances the gaming experience. Its USB-C compatibility ensures easy connection to your PC.

Setting Up Your Portable Console

Installing the Operating System

The key to this setup is Batocera, an open-source operating system designed for retro gaming. Here’s how to install it on your flash drive:

1. Connect your USB flash drive to your PC.
2. Download the x64 Windows version of Batocera from the official website.
3. Download and install BalenaEtcher, a tool for flashing operating systems onto USB drives.
4. Open BalenaEtcher, select “Flash from File,” and choose the downloaded Batocera file.
5. Select your USB flash drive and click “Flash.”
6. Once flashing completes, dismiss any pop-up windows by clicking “Cancel” or “Ignore.”

Booting into Batocera

After installation, you need to boot your PC from the flash drive. Here are two methods:

Method 1: Using Windows Recovery Options

1. Type “recovery options” into the Windows start menu.
2. Under “Advanced Startup,” click “Restart now.”
3. Select “Use a device” and then “UEFI: Removable Device.” Batocera should now boot. If this option isn’t available, try Method 2.

Method 2: Accessing the BIOS Menu

1. Power down your PC and then power it back on.
2. Repeatedly press the F12 key (or the key designated for your PC’s BIOS menu) during startup.
3. From the boot device selection menu, choose “UEFI: USB, Partition” (your USB flash drive). This should boot Batocera.

Loading Games into Batocera

Batocera supports a wide range of retro game console emulators, including PlayStation 2, PlayStation 3, and Nintendo 3DS. While it comes preloaded with some legal ROMs, you’ll likely want to add your own. Remember: Using ROMs without owning the original games is illegal. Ensure you have the legal right to use any ROMs you add.

Here’s how to load your ROMs:

1. Press F1 within Batocera to open the file manager.
2. Locate your ROM files on your computer or connect the storage device containing them.
3. Right-click the ROM files you want to copy and select “Copy.”
4. Navigate to the “ROMs” directory in the left-hand sidebar.
5. Find the appropriate emulator folder for your ROMs and paste the files.
6. Your games will now appear in Batocera. To add artwork:
   • Highlight a game and long-press the X button (button 3) on your controller.
   • Select “Scrape.” An internet connection is required for this.

Tips and Considerations

• Alternative Storage: While a USB flash drive offers portability, you can use an SD card or portable hard drive instead.
• Optimizing Batocera: Explore online resources like the Batocera Nation YouTube channel for tutorials on adjusting video settings, resolution, and other configurations to maximize your gaming experience.

Conclusion

With a USB drive, a keyboard, a gamepad, and a little setup, you can create a highly portable retro gaming console for under $100. Enjoy playing your favorite classic games wherever you have access to a PC!